Glen Hansard reignites The Frames

The Frames played a secret three-hour set in Dublin venue Whelan's on June 30 with lead singer Glen Hansard declaring an open bar for the 450-capacity audience.

Members of the veteran Dublin act traveled near and far, from New York and Chicago, to play the one-off show, the band's first public performance in several years, to mark the 25th anniversary of Whelan's. Three songs into the epic set, Hansard reportedly announced that he would cover the bar tab for the audience for the entire gig.

The Frames have a long-running relationship with Whelan's, having first played there in 1991. They last played the venue at a private gig for Hansard's birthday last year.

Whelan's will continue to mark its 25th anniversary with more celebration shows throughout the year. The venue has been a launching pad for the acoustic singer songwriter music scene and still showcases up and coming talent as well as name acts.